Spend two days exploring the splendor of Yosemite National Park, one of America’s greatest natural wonders. With guided tours of the valley and the high Sierra, this is our most extensive visit ever to Yosemite. The fun and amazement continue in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, home to the largest trees on earth. Visits to Pinnacles National Park and the waters of Channel Islands make this a can’t miss vacation!
- 2 full days in Yosemite National Park
- Guided tour of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- Pinnacles National Park
- Wildlife watching cruise at Channel Islands National Park
DAY 1: BAY AREA
Arrive into the Bay Area for dinner and an overnight stay. D
DAY 2: PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK
Start your National Parks journey in nearby Pinnacles National Park. Be on the lookout for a California Condor! Once an endangered species these magnificent birds are frequently seen, Pinnacles Park is the only national park that is a release site for captive bred California Condors. Continue east into the Sierra Nevada and check-in for a three-night stay at Yosemite View Lodge on the banks of the Merced River. B, D
DAY 3: YOSEMITE VALLEY
Explore the incomparable beauty of Yosemite Valley aboard an open-air tram and discover views of waterfalls, deep valleys and rock formations. With such spectacular scenery, it’s easy to grasp why Yosemite is one of the nation’s most photographed parks! Enjoy leisure time in what John Muir called “Nature’s Greatest Cathedral.” B, D
DAY 4: GLACIER POINT
A trip to Glacier Point is the capstone experience of any visit to Yosemite National Park. Board our narrated tram for another unforgettable tour in the park to learn about the park’s history, geology, and ecology. The stunning view of the valley below provides an unparalleled look at the High Sierra. See the massive peak of Half Dome and neighboring Vernal Falls before returning to the valley floor. B, L
DAY 5: SUGAR PINE RAILROAD
The sounds and scenes from the era of steam powered railroad logging come to life aboard the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. After a delicious lunch, travel south to Sequoia National Park; designated in 1890 as the 2nd U.S. National Park. Unpack for 2 nights in the park at Wuksachi Lodge. Surrounded by the sequoia forest and soaring Sierra peaks, the alpine, rustic mountain lodge promises a distinctive relaxing stay. B, L
DAY 6: SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, it’s time to explore Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with a guide from the Sequoia Field Institute. These parks are home to giants: immense mountains, deep canyons and huge trees. Take a deep breath of the pine-scented fresh air and behold the oldest living thing in the world as you view the General Grant Tree, named the Nation’s Christmas Tree by Calvin Coolidge in 1926. B, L
DAY 7: VENTURA, CA
After a leisurely morning in the mountains, make your way back towards the coast for dinner at Sunrise favorite Boatyard Pub, and and enjoy an overnight stay in Ventura Harbor. B, D
DAY 8: WILDLIFE CRUISE
Watch for humpback whales, blue whales, orca, seals, and dolphins as you travel into the Santa Barbara Channel and the rich waters of Channel Islands National Park on a wildlife watching cruise. Often called the “Galapagos of North America,” the waters of the Channel Islands are home to more marine wildlife species than anywhere else in North America. Overnight in Los Angeles. B, D
DAY 9: RETURN HOME B
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Night 1: Bay Area Hotel (TBD)
Nights 2-4: Yosemite View Lodge, El Portal, CA
Nights 5-6: Wuksachi Lodge, Sequoia National Park, CA
Night 7: Holiday Inn Express Ventura Harbor, CA (or similar)
Night 8: Fairfield Inn LAX (or similar)
Dates:
- Depart: September 5, 2024 -SOLD OUT
- Return: September 13, 2024 - SOLD OUT
Pricing:
- Double: $3,599
- Triple/Quad: $3,229
- Single: $4,579
*Per person rates
* Includes roundtrip airfare from STL or MCI
Luggage:
Orange luggage tags are provided and are to be placed on your “checked luggage” (large bag). You do not need a tag for your carry-on bag, for which you will be responsible for taking on and off the coach. There is limited space in the cabin of the coach, so unless you require your carry-on bag while traveling, we will stow it in the luggage compartment.
Important Information:
New reservations will require a $250 per person deposit unless otherwise noted. As always, your deposit is still fully refundable for any reason until final payment. We are happy to accept cash, check (preferred) or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) for your deposit.
Throughout 2021 we limited capacity on all our tours. This policy was so overwhelmingly popular by Sunrise travelers, we have made it permanent. In 2022 and beyond, we will limit the capacity on our motorcoaches to 80%. Most Sunrise Tours travel on 50-seat coaches with extra legroom, which means guests will enjoy extra legroom AND at least 6-8 empty seats. In the rare cases when we charter a 55-seat coach, there will be at least 10 open seats on the bus.
Our popular on-board refreshment service on travel days will feature a variety of soda, beer, wine spritzers, juices and sparkling water choices served in recyclable aluminum cans. This is a safe and eco-conscious way for us to deliver the ever-popular Sunrise Tours “happy hour” on tour. We do not typically serve bottled water and ask that while on tour you be responsible for your own hydration and consider the Sunrise Tours drink service a welcome refreshment.
Terms and Conditions:
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.
